RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT FRAUD TASK FORCE RECENTLY CREATED BY THE MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY AND REQUESTING THAT THE TASK FORCE CONSIDER CERTAIN COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEASURES; DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH AND FULLY SUPPORT THE TASK FORCE’S WORK

Indexes:

ELECTION ISSUES

Sponsors:

Audrey M. Edmonson, Prime Sponsor

Jose "Pepe" Diaz, Co-Sponsor

Rebeca Sosa, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision:
No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History

Acting Body

Date

Agenda Item

Action

Sent To

Due Date

Returned

Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners

9/6/2012

14A4

Adopted

P

REPORT:

Commissioner Sosa asked to be listed as a co-sponsor on the foregoing proposed resolution.
The Board proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution as presented.

Office of the Chairperson

9/5/2012

Additions

9/4/2012

County Attorney

9/4/2012

Assigned

Infrastructure and Land Use Committee

County Attorney

9/4/2012

Assigned

Jess M. McCarty

9/4/2012

Legislative Text

TITLE

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT FRAUD TASK FORCE RECENTLY CREATED BY THE MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY AND REQUESTING THAT THE TASK FORCE CONSIDER CERTAIN COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEASURES; DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH AND FULLY SUPPORT THE TASK FORCEíS WORK

BODY

WHEREAS, the right to vote is fundamental to democratic government; and
WHEREAS, the publicís confidence that each vote is counted and that any ballots cast, including absentee ballots, will not be altered or stolen is essential to ensuring the integrity of the elections process; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County recently experienced examples of alleged absentee ballot fraud; and
WHEREAS, while specific investigations into particular cases of alleged absentee ballot fraud are taking place, the issue of absentee ballot fraud needs to be addressed on a comprehensive, countywide basis; and
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade State Attorney recently convened a task force related to absentee ballot fraud; and
WHEREAS, this Board fully supports this task force, and directs the Mayor or designee to work cooperatively with and support the task forceís work; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Fully supports the task force related to absentee ballot fraud created by the State Attorney.
Section 2. Directs the Mayor or designee to work cooperatively with and support the task force, especially providing assistance from the Elections Department, law enforcement and other applicable departments as appropriate.
Section 3. Requests that the task force consider measures that might improve community outreach related to absentee ballots and avoiding absentee ballot fraud, including but not limited to:
1. Improving community outreach to educate the public about absentee ballots and avoiding illegal activity related to absentee ballots, with an emphasis on elderly voters at senior centers, assisted living facilities, public housing and religious centers; and
2. Effectively using county resources to educate the public generally about absentee ballots, with a focus on elderly residents, such as the effective use of Miami-Dade Television, announcements and posters at senior centers, public libraries, parks, transit and other county facilities and the Countyís 311 Service Centers. †As part of its deliberations, the task force may want to consider how other jurisdictions educate voters, especially elderly voters, about absentee ballots, fraud and other illegal activity.
Section 4.† Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Miami-Dade State Attorney. ††